as in candidate
one who seeks an office, honor, position, or award
a debate between the two aspirants for the highest office
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Recent Examples of aspirant
Presidential aspirants trashed Senate Democrats who crossed the aisle to support the measure.
—
Francesca Chambers, USA Today, 11 Nov. 2025
There are also seven private villas—airy, palatial, ideal for families or James Bond aspirants—along with an expansion set to be unveiled in 2026.
—David Amsden, Travel + Leisure, 5 Nov. 2025
Both men reflect a cohort of youthful African aspirants aiming to ride popular disenchantments with governments to high office.
—Alexander Onukwue, semafor.com, 27 Aug. 2025
Intoxicated by the attention—and the presence of the wannabe tragedienne Gloria (a sinuous, Kurt Weill–crooning Greta Lee)—Saxberger nevertheless must reckon with the authenticity of this newfound circle of aspirants.
—Jill Goldsmith, Deadline, 5 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for aspirant
Francesca Chambers, USA Today, 11 Nov. 2025
There are also seven private villas—airy, palatial, ideal for families or James Bond aspirants—along with an expansion set to be unveiled in 2026.
—David Amsden, Travel + Leisure, 5 Nov. 2025
Both men reflect a cohort of youthful African aspirants aiming to ride popular disenchantments with governments to high office.
—Alexander Onukwue, semafor.com, 27 Aug. 2025
Intoxicated by the attention—and the presence of the wannabe tragedienne Gloria (a sinuous, Kurt Weill–crooning Greta Lee)—Saxberger nevertheless must reckon with the authenticity of this newfound circle of aspirants.
—Jill Goldsmith, Deadline, 5 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for aspirant
Recent Examples of Synonyms for aspirant
Noun
-
Even with concerns about the party’s approach, the race features viable top-tier candidates with distinct profiles and accomplishments, including several with national profiles and substantial fundraising capacity.—
Gustavo Arellano,
Los Angeles Times,
5 Mar. 2026
-
Independent candidate Seth Bodnar entered the race on Wednesday; Democrats will have to decide whether to back him.—
Burgess Everett,
semafor.com,
5 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Last month, the Cleveland Plain Dealer’s editor wrote that a recent job applicant withdrew from consideration for a reporting fellowship after discovering the position included filing notes to an AI writing tool instead of actually writing stories, touching off a heated debate in media circles.—
Max Tani,
semafor.com,
4 Mar. 2026
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There’s no cost for the process, and applicants usually find out their fate within six months, though that time can vary.—
Bryan Hood,
Robb Report,
3 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Aspirant.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/aspirant. Accessed 9 Mar. 2026.
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